Spain Reports Drop in Road Fatalities as DGT Warns Against Obstructed Views
Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic reports a 3% decline in road fatalities for 2025 while warning drivers that objects obstructing their view, such as rearview mirror decorations, can result in fines of up to 500 euros.
Road safety in Spain is showing steady improvement, according to provisional data from the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) for 2025. Fatal accidents have dropped by 3% compared to last year, saving 35 lives. This makes the current period the second-safest on record since 1960, trailing only 2019 (excluding the pandemic years).
Despite this progress, authorities are still working to address driver distraction, particularly in areas with challenging terrain like the Canary Islands. In the archipelago, officials are focusing on common issues such as speeding, lack of insurance, and general traffic violations. As part of this effort, the DGT is reminding drivers about a frequently overlooked safety hazard: objects hanging from the rearview mirror.
Under Article 19 of the General Traffic Regulations, drivers must maintain a clear view through all of their vehicle’s windows. While air fresheners and decorative items aren't strictly banned, they are considered illegal if a traffic officer determines they obstruct the driver's field of vision.
The penalties for ignoring these rules can be costly. Drivers can be fined up to 200 euros if an object is found to block their view. The consequences become much more severe—up to 500 euros and the loss of 4 license points—if an object falls off and creates a hazard for other road users, such as cyclists or scooter riders. To stay safe and avoid fines, traffic authorities strongly recommend keeping the cabin free of any items that could distract you or limit your view of the road.